Tom's 52nd birthday

 So--turns out it's been a couple weeks since my last blog update 😲

We've been in a bit of a holding pattern doing all the "normal" things...work, school, chemo--repeat.  The girls are officially out of school for the next 2 weeks and I'm ecstatic because they were struggling to get up and out the door.  Tom had chemo last week 12/17 and will have his next dose this coming Wed, 12/24.  His weight is up again slightly hovering between 140-145 and his overall lab work (hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and neutrophils) were all back up looking good!  

Slight hiccup for the first time in 7ish months, his CA 19-9 didn't drop--it increased super minimally from 119 to 123.  While this might have triggered a mini spiral and panic last week--our oncology team is overall unconcerned as the trend is certainly downward.  His levels will be drawn again this week and we're hoping for a decrease obviously.  

Tom's feeling ok-ish most days, but is having some new side effects in addition to his previous ones. Muscle fatigue/aches and joint pain are a common side effect for this new chemo, so yesterday his elbows hurt--today it's his hips and back.  Hair loss is a bit more noticeable and his GI symptoms continue 😖

We are staying local for Christmas and my family (parents and Jason) is holding off on a visit currently, but they were just here in October.  Depending on how treatments continue and Tom's feeling, we may see them in the next few months as well.

Today is Tom's 52nd birthday--seems crazy that we are that "old" and it's been over 7 months since diagnosis.  We have a pretty low key day planned.  Hopefully lunch and cake at home, but maybe not if he's not feeling well.  We plan those things last minute.  While holidays and birthdays are still fun and important, we've definitely shifted our focus to a bit more of the day to day gratitude.  Death, illness, and health scares of a loved one tend to shift your priority pretty quickly.  We've realized in the past 7ish months, that we are very blessed, but like most tend to take things for granted sometimes.  Enjoy some extra time with friends and families, give them a hug, and that you love them.  You never know when it might be the last time.  

Happy birthday wishes for Jeffy poo as well 🎉
Early Merry Christmas to everyone else 🎄

Enjoy a few throwback pictures of the girls from previous holidays💗

                                 
                                

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